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That leaves Leighton Baines as the only senior left back, making him a shoo-in for a place in the defensive line alongside new £30m man Keane and Seamus Coleman when he returns to fitness following a horrific double leg break.

Who partners Keane in central defence is up for debate, but Ashley Williams appears to be Koeman's preferred option based on his team selections last term. Phil Jagielka may actually be a better fit at right centre back, but he and Ramiro Funes Mori will start the campaign further down the pecking order.

Mason Holgate is likely to fill in at right back in the absence of Coleman, although a move for former Southampton defender Cuco Martina, who is now a free agent, remains on the cards.

That back four will sit in front of new No 1 Jordan Pickford, who is certain to start the season in between the sticks ahead of Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg following his record-breaking move from Sunderland.

Jordan Pickford will start in goal for the Merseysiders after joining for £30m from Sunderland

In midfield Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye will act as Everton's shield in front of the back four, breaking down attacks, pressing opponents and helping turn defence into attack.

However, against lesser teams, particularly at home, Koeman could opt for the more offensively-minded Klaassen, who scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in the Eredivisie last season.

The Dutchman is also likely to be utilised in a more advanced midfield role, although he will face competition in that position from Rooney, should the Manchester United man complete an emotional return to Goodison.

The 31-year-old is unlikely to be used as an out-and-out striker, with his eye for a pass and limited pace now more suited to the No 10 role than that of a traditional No 9.

Morgan Schneiderlin (left) will act as half of Everton's midfield shield in front of the defence

Tom Davies, who broke into the first team so impressively towards the end of last year, seems destined to spend more time on the bench next term, while Kevin Mirallas still has plenty of work to do if he is to become a fixture in the side. Yannick Bolasie will not return from a serious knee injury until December at the earliest.

Assuming Barkley and Lukaku move on this summer, two thirds of Everton's regular attacking trio would need to be replaced ahead of the big kick-off against Stoke in August.

Sandro's pace and power make him a strong candidate for a slightly wider role, particularly with his ability to cut in and shoot from distance. Giroud, however, is certain to remain a target man and will be utilised straight through the middle.

Sigurdsson also prefers playing centrally, but could fill in on either the left or the right as Koeman looks to add more goals to his side. The Iceland star will also add a wicked delivery from set-pieces, something which should benefit Giroud.

Sandro's pace and power, as well as his ability to cut in and shoot, will be beneficial

3-4-3

Should Koeman look to make a full-time return to three at the back next season, then he may be wise to add another central defender to an already lengthy shopping list.

Jagielka, Keane and Williams would be the men to line up in front of Pickford, although Funes Mori has shown himself to be most comfortable on the left side of a three-man defence. Holgate also had some of his better games on the right side last season and would provide a more mobile option than Jagielka.

Coleman and Baines remain the obvious choices to play in the wing back roles, although the increased attacking duties may impact on the sort of back-up options purchased before the window closes on August 31.

In a 3-4-3 formation, Ashley Williams (centre) could line up on the left of the defensive three

Schneiderlin is guaranteed his place in front of the back four, although he may be partnered with Klaassen rather than Gueye in order to stop the line-up becoming too defensively-minded.

Playing Rooney in a deeper central midfield role may also be an option in a 3-4-3 formation, with Schneiderlin doing his running for him, leaving him free to dictate play and set his quicker, more direct team-mates on their way.

In attack, the same attacking trio of Sandro, Giroud and Sigurdsson would provide a neat balance of pace, aerial ability and guile – three qualities which should help Koeman create the productive front-line he was crying out for at times away from home last season.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's (right) guile would add an extra dimension to Everton if he joined

Olivier Giroud would complement Everton with his aerial prowess and hold-up play